STELLA Maris Dance Ensemble begins its 21st anniversary season at The Little Theatre in St Andrew on Saturday and continues through the following day.

Saturday’s performance will be in aid of the Cherry Gardens Citizens’ Association’s charity, while Sunday’s will be in aid of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters.

The season will be under the distinguished patronage of businessman Wayne Chen.

The ensemble’s co-founder, Dr MoniKa Lawrence said as the Franciscan Missionary Sisters celebrate their 85th anniversary, the dance ensemble wanted to assist in raising funds for the missionaries to continue the work they have been doing for nearly nine decades.

“The ensemble will also be seeking support from corporate Jamaica, many of which are already familiar with the work that the missionaries do,” said Lawrence.

The ensemble will also host a free full-length show, for the fifth consecutive year, when they host about 500 children from places of safety, children’s homes, identified communities, and church groups on Friday.

The season will feature five new works by local and international choreographers. They are Wanted by Dr Kemal Nance, an eminent scholar and certified Umfundalai instructor; Patchwork by artistic director Tony Wilson; Lawrence’s Possibilities; My Language, commissioned and written by Curtis King, CEO and Founder of The Academy of Black Arts and Letters in the USA; and My Language choreographed by Abeldo ‘Toki’ Gonzales.

The repertoire will also include Gye Nyame by H Patten of London, and an annual favourite Where is Maria, choreographed by Lawrence.

Founded by the school principal, Sister Mary Joseph, the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble evolved from the Stella Maris Preparatory School Dance Troupe.